How fast do I need to dry a flooded basement?

EPA says to dry water-damaged areas and items within 24–48 hours. In most cases mold will not grow if materials are dried in that time.

Who do I call if sewage backs up into my basement in Cleveland?

Cleveland Water Pollution Control asks residents to call 216-664-2513 for an inspection of the city sewer before hiring a plumber. In other communities, call your city's sewer or public works department.

Should I run fans after a sewer backup?

EPA advises not to use fans until you know the water is clean, and to consult an experienced professional for water contaminated with sewage.

Basement Flooded? What to Do First in Summit & Cuyahoga County

Last reviewed Oct 29, 2026 · Sources linked in the text

Finding water in your basement is stressful, especially after a heavy Northeast Ohio storm. The good news is that a few steps in the first day or two make a big difference. This guide walks through them calmly, in order, with links to the public agencies behind each piece of advice.

1. Put safety first

Before stepping into standing water, think about electricity. If water could be touching outlets, cords, a furnace, a water heater or a freezer, don't wade in. Turn off power to the basement at the breaker only if you can reach the panel while standing somewhere dry. If you can't, call your electric utility or an electrician. Keep children and pets out of the area.

If you smell gas, leave the house and call your gas company or 911 from outside.

2. Figure out what kind of water it is

This matters, because clean water and sewage are handled very differently.

Clean water: a burst supply line, a leaking water heater, or rain coming through a wall or window well.
Sewage or "gray" water: water coming up through a floor drain, toilet or tub, often during heavy rain when the sewer system is overloaded.

EPA's mold cleanup guidance is written for clean water. It says that if you know or suspect the water is contaminated with sewage, protective equipment and containment are required, and an experienced professional should be consulted. It also says not to run fans until you have determined that the water is clean or sanitary (EPA).

3. If sewage backed up, call the city first

When sewage comes up through a basement drain, the problem may be in the public sewer main or in your own line to the street. In Cleveland, Water Pollution Control asks residents to call 216-664-2513 for an inspection of the city's sewer. That inspection can show whether the problem is in the main sewer or on your property. Calling them before you hire a plumber "may save you unnecessary expenses." If you call a licensed plumber first, get a detailed receipt. Property owners are responsible for sewer problems on their property and from the property to the curb (Cleveland WPC).

Outside Cleveland, including Akron and the rest of Summit County, check your city or village website for its sewer or public works number. Rules and phone numbers vary by community, so we don't list them here.

4. Document everything

Before you move or throw anything away, take photos and video of the water line on the walls, damaged items and where the water seems to be coming from. If you plan to file an insurance claim, call your insurer early and ask what they need. Policies differ on sewer backup and sump pump failure, so read your own policy or ask your agent rather than assuming you're covered.

5. Dry it out within 24–48 hours

Speed is the key to avoiding mold. EPA says "it is important to dry water-damaged areas and items within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth," and that if materials are dried within that window, "in most cases mold will not grow" (EPA, A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture and Your Home).

For clean-water damage, EPA's cleanup table recommends (EPA):

Concrete or block walls and floors: remove water with a water-extraction (wet) vacuum, then speed drying with dehumidifiers, fans and heaters.
Carpet and pad: extract the water, then dry with fans and a dehumidifier within 24–48 hours. The subfloor underneath also needs to dry.
Drywall: it may be dried in place if there is no obvious swelling and the seams are intact. Otherwise, remove and replace it.
Ceiling tiles and insulation (fiberglass or cellulose): discard and replace.

If something is valuable or sentimental, EPA suggests consulting a restoration or water-damage specialist (EPA).

6. Find the cause before you fix it

Once the basement is dry, the most useful question is why it flooded. Our guide Why Is My Basement Wet? covers the usual causes. In short:

Roof water dumped at the foundation. EPA recommends cleaning and repairing gutters regularly and making sure "the ground slopes away from the building foundation" (EPA).
A sump pump that failed or lost power during a storm. See our sump pump contractors.
Groundwater pressure or cracks in the foundation. These may call for waterproofing or foundation repair.
Sewer backup during heavy rain. A plumber can explain options such as a backwater valve, which usually needs a permit and a licensed installer.

7. Don't forget radon if you're finishing the basement

If the flood leads to a basement remodel, it's a good moment to test for radon before you put up new walls, especially if you'll spend more time down there. EPA recommends testing the lowest level you use regularly. See our radon guide and radon testing listings.

Getting help

If you'd like a professional opinion on why your basement flooded and what it would take to keep it dry, you can browse local companies in Akron, Cleveland, Summit County and Cuyahoga County. Or use the free form on this page, and we'll share your request with up to 3 local contractors. Before you sign anything, our contractor checklist can help you compare quotes.